Square Enix has released a new trailer and announced the release date for the next entry in the Mana series. Visions of Mana is a brand-new story and mainline entry to the series. The game will follow the journey of Val, a newly appointed soul guard who is tasked with accompanying his childhood friend Hinna, a chosen alm, to the Tree of Mana. The new trailer introduces new characters Palamena and Julei, who Val and Hinna befriend on their journey through the vast world to reach the Tree of Mana. The trailer also provides a closer look at some of the latest gameplay features, including the Elemental Vessels, the mystical artifacts that house the power of the elements within them. Visions of Mana launches on August 29, 2024, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The journey of Val, Hinna and friends will take them to many regions of the world. Areas will be expansive, and full of things to discover, from secretive stashes to dangerous beasts to battle. The characters are mobile with a variety of traversal skills like jumping and dashing, and more which are gained though Elemental Vessels. Players will be richly rewarded for exploring by finding useful resources, new quests, and more. There are also companions that you can utilize to traverse the open world.
Pikuls can be used on land, the mysterious turtle-like Vuscav on sea, and the sacred beast of legend, Flammie, in the sky, flying across the world map.
Combat will take place in real-time, using combos and skills to take them out quickly and with style. Players will start out with basic attacks and will be able to equip and use all kinds of extra skills, from elemental abilities to Moves- powerful maneuvers that cost MP to execute. The elemental abilities come from the different elemental vessels that players can equip.
Elemental vessels are mystical artifacts that house the power of the elements within them. Each vessel contains mana from a different element. Val and the party can borrow these powers in combat and while exploring through elemental triggers. These are glowing marks scattered throughout the land. Using a elemental power near these areas will generate gusts of wind to fly through the air, move rocks, slow down time, and more. The more vessels that are collected, the more triggers will be available.
Equipping elemental vessels allows characters to change their class and provide access to special elemental attacks. Different classes unlock different stats, weapon types, and unique moves or abilities based on the corresponding element. Vessels can be equipped to any character and each has their corresponding classes.
Sylphid Boomerang, the Vessel of Wind controls air currents. Players can use it to create gusts of wind when you come across a break in the path that’s too large to cross. Boost your jumps with wind or summon rocky steps buoyed by the air to get back on track. In battle, players can bind and suspend enemies in the air, while also dealing damage.
Luna Globe, the Vessel of the Moon manipulates the flow of time. Players use this to circumvent obstacles like frozen rapids or revert a specific area back to the state it was in the past. During combat, players can create pockets of moon energy that decreases the enemy’s movement speed if they cross into them.
Undine Flask, the Vessel of Water controls the ebb and flow of water. With it, you can enter the floating bubbles you find on your journey and move them around at will. The vessel can also be used to cool down any magma blocking your way so you can safely progress through hot areas. Used in combat, it can blast enemies off their feet with streams of water or attack them with homing water bubbles that deal damage.
Dryad Sprig, the Vessel of Wood lets players harness the regenerative healing power of plants. Players can also grow large flowers to carry you across broken paths or give a boost to reach previously inaccessible areas. Healing zones are created in battle so players can keep replenishing the team’s HP for a set amount of time.
Salamando Candle, the Vessel of Fire harnesses he power of flame, letting you propel yourself through the air like a rocket. In combat, players can charge at enemies with firey attacks or engulf them in flames to cause damage over time.
Pre-orders are available now. Players who pre-order either the digital Standard Edition or the Digital Deluxe Edition will receive in-game item “Brave Blade” weapon for Val as a pre-order bonus. Pre-ordering before September 30, 2024, will receive the following in-game items as early purchase bonuses: a “Guardian Garment” outfit for Val, as well as a “Starter Pack,” a set of items that can be used to boost the amount of experience points and lucre earned for a fixed amount of time.
A physical standard edition is also available to pre-order. The Collector’s Edition includes: Ramcoh Plush, ART of MANA SPECIAL ISSUE (Art Book), Visions of Mana Original Soundtrack Collector’s Edition Special Box.